Most business cards print on one side and leave the back blank, which is like renting a billboard and only using half of it. Double-sided printing adds very little to the cost and effectively doubles your space. The trick is using that second side for something useful rather than just repeating the front.
Is it worth it?
Almost always, yes. The extra cost of printing the back is small, and the upside is real: more room means a cleaner front and a place for the extras that would otherwise clutter your contact info. The only time to skip it is an ultra-minimal design where a blank back is a deliberate statement.
What to put on the back
| Back-side use | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Logo (large) | Brand recognition, clean look |
| Service list | Reminds people what you offer |
| QR code | Links to site, booking, or vCard |
| Tagline / value prop | One memorable line |
| Appointment reminder | Doubles as a leave-behind |
| Map or hours | Useful for walk-in businesses |
Keep the front clean
The real value of a back side is that it lets the front breathe. Move the QR code, the service list, and the tagline to the back, and the front can hold just your name, company, and contact details, the things people need in a glance. A clean front reads as more professional.
Use the back for one clear purpose, not a second pile of text. A big logo, a QR code, or a short service list each works. The goal is a clean, scannable front and a back that adds value, not noise on both sides.
A few cautions
If the back has a dark or full-color design, ask about the stock so it does not show through. And never put essential contact info only on the back, people glance at the front first. Keep the must-haves up front and let the back support them.
Print both sides
We print full-color double-sided cards on quality stock as standard. Browse our business card options, and see what to put on a card to plan both sides. Request a free quote.
About the Author
Alaska Business Supply Team
Print Specialists
The Alaska Business Supply team has been printing checks, forms, and stationery for Anchorage businesses since 1979.
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